Gokarna Forest Resort July 15, 2025

Top 21 Best Places to Visit Near Gokarna Forest Resort

Day Trips, Short Hikes & Cultural Experiences in Kathmandu

Gokarna Forest Resort is not only a peaceful forest retreat but also the ideal starting point for exploring the best nearby cultural landmarks, short hikes, waterfalls, temples, and hidden nature escapes within the Kathmandu Valley.

This carefully curated list presents the 20 best attractions near Gokarna Forest Resort, organized from nearest to farthest, unforgettable day trips, all within 1.5 hours of the resort.

1. Gokarna Forest Nature Trails – In-House Forest Walk Experience

Distance: Inside the resort

Start your journey without leaving the resort. The lush Gokarna Forest is home to deer, monkeys, exotic birds, and peaceful jungle paths. Ideal for early morning walks, forest bathing, and birdwatching.

2. Gokarna Forest Yoga & Meditation – Wellness Amidst Nature

Distance: Inside the resort

Rejuvenate with yoga and guided meditation sessions in the forest, offered by the resort. This wellness experience is perfect for individuals and couples seeking peace and mindfulness.

3. Gokarna Forest Golf Course – Premium Golfing Within the Resort

Distance: Inside the resort

Play on Nepal’s top-rated 18-hole golf course, surrounded by pine trees and rolling fairways. It’s a unique opportunity to golf amidst nature, right next to your accommodation.

4. Gokarneshwor Mahadev Temple – Sacred Shiva Temple Nearby

Distance: 500m | Travel Time: 5–10 mins walk

An ancient temple beside the Bagmati River, perfect for a peaceful stroll or cultural morning visit. It’s one of the most spiritual and calm places in the valley.

Gokarneshwor Mahadev Temple, a historic and sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, surrounded by lush greenery and located near the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal.

5. Uttar Gaya (Uttargaya) – Sacred Hindu Ritual Site by the Bagmati

Distance: ~700m | Travel Time: 5–10 mins walk

Located just beyond Gokarneshwor Temple, Uttar Gaya is one of the holiest places in Nepal for performing Pind Daan (ancestral rituals). According to Hindu beliefs, performing rites here grants salvation to ancestors, similar to Gaya in India. Its riverside location and spiritual ambiance make it a peaceful, sacred stop for reflection.

Uttar Gaya (Gokarna), a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site near Kathmandu, Nepal, known for ancestral rituals on the banks of the Bagmati River, with devotees performing Shraddha and Tarpan in a serene natural setting.

6. Picnic Spot by Bagmati River – Riverside Nature Escape

Distance: 1 km | Travel Time: 10 mins walk

Bring a picnic mat and enjoy a serene riverside lunch under trees, just a short walk from the resort. Ideal for couples and families looking for a nature break.

Bagmati River flowing through the Kathmandu Valley, considered sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism, with temples and ghats along its banks and often used for religious ceremonies and cremations.

7. Budhanilkantha Temple – Sleeping Vishnu in a Holy Pond

Distance: 5.5 km | Travel Time: 15 mins

One of Nepal’s most iconic spiritual destinations, home to a massive statue of Lord Vishnu lying in a sacred pond. Great for religious visits and photography.

Budhanilkantha Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, featuring the large reclining statue of Lord Vishnu lying on a bed of cosmic serpents in a sacred pond, surrounded by devotees and peaceful surroundings.

8. Chabahil Stupa – Underrated Historical Buddhist Site

Distance: 6.5 km | Travel Time: 15–20 mins

Older than Boudhanath, this peaceful stupa is surrounded by local shops and traditional homes. A perfect short stop for spiritual seekers.

9. Boudhanath Stupa – Iconic UNESCO Heritage Site

Distance: 7 km | Travel Time: 20 mins

A must-visit spiritual landmark. Spin the prayer wheels, explore Tibetan shops, or enjoy coffee on rooftop cafés overlooking the stupa. Best at sunset.

Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in the world, located in Kathmandu, Nepal, with its iconic all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, colorful prayer flags, and a bustling spiritual atmosphere.

10. Pashupatinath Temple – Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage Site

Distance: 8.5 km | Travel Time: 25 mins

Explore one of the world’s holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, where you can witness centuries-old rituals and cremation ceremonies by the river.

Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, featuring pagoda-style architecture, golden roofs, and active worship by devotees.

11. Sundarijal Waterfall & Entry to Shivapuri Hike

Distance: 9 km | Travel Time: 25 mins

This nature escape features forest trails, waterfalls, and stone stairways leading into Shivapuri National Park. Great for light hiking and a short forest trek.

Sundarijal, a scenic area on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal, known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and starting point for popular hiking trails in the Shivapuri National Park.

12. Kopan Monastery – Tibetan Monastic Retreat

Distance: 10 km | Travel Time: 30 mins

A serene Buddhist monastery offering meditation courses, teachings, and peaceful valley views. Perfect for spiritual travelers and quiet reflection.

Kopan Monastery, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, perched on a hilltop with views of the valley, prayer flags fluttering, and monks engaged in daily rituals and meditation.

13. Sankhu Village & Bajrayogini Temple Hike

Distance: 10 km | Travel Time: 30 mins

Explore a traditional Newar town filled with historic temples and local lifestyle. Hike to the Bajrayogini Temple for beautiful views and cultural insight.

Sankhu Village, an ancient Newari settlement in the northeast of Kathmandu Valley, with traditional architecture, stone-paved streets, and historic charm reflecting Nepal’s cultural heritage.

14. Shivapuri National Park (Nagi Gumba Trail)

Distance: 11 km | Travel Time: 35 mins

Trek through lush forests to reach Nagi Gumba, a peaceful nunnery perched on a hilltop. Ideal for nature lovers and hikers wanting solitude and scenery.

Nagi Gumba, a peaceful Buddhist monastery nestled inside Shivapuri National Park, surrounded by dense forests and hills, with nuns in red robes, prayer flags, and a serene atmosphere ideal for meditation and hiking.

15. Bhaktapur Durbar Square – UNESCO World Heritage City

Distance: 11 km | Travel Time: 30–35 mins

Discover temples, courtyards, and Newari culture in one of Nepal’s best-preserved medieval cities. Don’t forget to try the famous Juju Dhau (King Curd).

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nepal, showcasing traditional Newari architecture with ancient temples, palaces, intricate wood carvings, and bustling local life in the historic city of Bhaktapur.

16. Changunarayan Temple – Nepal’s Oldest Living Temple

Distance: 13 km | Travel Time: 40 mins

This quiet hilltop UNESCO temple is a beautiful blend of history, art, and culture. Offers panoramic valley views and ancient inscriptions.

Changu Narayan Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal, perched on a hilltop near Bhaktapur, featuring ancient stone carvings, pagoda-style architecture, and panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.

17. Jhor Waterfall – Hidden Waterfall for a Short Trip

Distance: 12 km | Travel Time: 40 mins

A local favorite during weekends, Jhor Waterfall is perfect for a fun outing with friends or a romantic nature escape.

Jhor Waterfall, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery near Kathmandu, Nepal, popular for nature lovers and hikers seeking a tranquil escape in the hills.

18. Patan Durbar Square – Ancient Art & Architecture Hub

Distance: 15 km | Travel Time: 45–50 mins

Explore another UNESCO site with beautiful temples, golden spires, and museums. A favorite for history buffs and those interested in metalwork and culture.

Patan Durbar Square, a historic UNESCO World Heritage site in Lalitpur, Nepal, featuring exquisite Newari architecture with ancient temples, palaces, ornate wood carvings, and vibrant local culture.

19. Panauti Heritage Town – Riverside Culture Walk

Distance: 24 km | Travel Time: 1 hr

Experience traditional Newari life in this underrated heritage town, filled with temples, community homestays, and friendly locals.

Panauti Heritage Town, a historic Newari town in Nepal known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, ancient temples, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural festivals.

20. Taudaha Lake – Birdwatching & Scenic Calm

Distance: 22 km | Travel Time: 1 hr

A peaceful lake ideal for birdwatching and photography. Escape the city noise and enjoy a cup of tea by the water.

Taudaha Lake, a serene freshwater lake near Kathmandu, Nepal, surrounded by lush forest, home to migratory birds and local wildlife, reflecting peaceful natural beauty.

21. Nagarkot Viewpoint – Sunrise Over the Himalayas

Distance: 27 km | Travel Time: 1.5 hrs

One of the best spots to witness sunrise over the Himalayan range, including Everest on clear days. Great for short hikes, yoga, or breakfast with a view.

Nagarkot, a popular hill station near Kathmandu, Nepal, known for panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, lush forests, and sunrise vistas over the mountain range.

Suggested 1-Day Itinerary from Gokarna Forest Resort

Time	Activity
6:30 AM	Sunrise yoga or walk in Gokarna Forest
8:00 AM	Breakfast at the resort
9:30 AM	Visit Budhanilkantha + Boudhanath
12:00 PM	Cultural lunch in Bhaktapur or riverside picnic
2:30 PM	Stop by Pashupatinath or Sundarijal hike
5:00 PM	Coffee at Boudha rooftop / Return to Gokarna
6:30 PM	Spa and dinner at Gokarna Forest Resort

Why Choose Gokarna Forest Resort as Your Travel Hub?

Centrally located near top Kathmandu destinations
Ideal for both nature lovers and cultural explorers
Offers luxury, wellness, adventure, and spiritual access
Peaceful forest atmosphere just minutes from city chaos

Ready to explore the best of Kathmandu from the heart of nature?
Start your journey with Gokarna Forest Resort — where every day brings a new adventure.